Teaching Kitchen & Food Access Coordinator

Job Summary:

The Teaching Kitchen & Food Access Coordinator plays a key role in developing, coordinating, and supporting Teaching Kitchen programming and food-based health education initiatives. This part-time (approximately 20-30 hours per week), grant-funded position focuses on standing up classes and demonstrations, coordinating facilitators and community partners, supporting patient engagement, and managing the logistics required to deliver successful Teaching Kitchen programming over a four-year grant period. The Coordinator will also work collaboratively to explore, design, and support the development of sustainable, long-term food delivery and access models that align with community needs and organizational goals. This position is located in the St. Johnsbury, VT area. Must have some flexibility to work evening and occasional weekend hours.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has direct supervisory responsibilities for the Payroll Accountant and Staff Accountant.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:

Food Access Awareness & Team Collaboration (Supportive Role)

• Maintains working knowledge of local food access resources and community-based food programs.
• Collaborates with other CHWs and care team members to ensure patients participating in Teaching Kitchen programs are connected to appropriate food resources when needed.
• Reinforces referrals and connections already established by other CHWs.
• Communicates food-related needs identified during classes or outreach to appropriate team members for follow-up.

Teaching Kitchen Program Development & Coordination (Primary Focus)

• Supports the planning, launch, and ongoing coordination of Teaching Kitchen classes, demonstrations, and food-based education programs.
• Coordinates class logistics including scheduling, space coordination, supplies, food ordering, and equipment needs.
• Identifies, recruits, and coordinates facilitators for Teaching Kitchen programming, including internal staff and community partners.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for Teaching Kitchen facilitators regarding schedules, expectations, and on-site support.
• Assists with set-up, facilitation support, and clean-up for Teaching Kitchen classes and events.
• Helps ensure classes run smoothly and provides on-site support to participants and facilitators.

Patient Engagement & Outreach

• Supports patient recruitment and engagement for Teaching Kitchen programming and other self-management initiatives by working with care teams, CHWs, and program staff to identify patients who may benefit from classes.
• Collaborates closely with the Marketing team and the Community Health Program Facilitator to promote Teaching Kitchen offerings and other self-management programming, and to access and apply best practices related to Teaching Kitchen initiatives.

Program Tracking, Reporting & Grant Participation

• Tracks class schedules, attendance, participation, and referrals to support program evaluation and grant reporting.
• Participates in grant-related meetings, planning sessions, and check-ins as required.
• Assists with reporting on program successes, challenges, lessons learned, and opportunities for improvement.
• Supports data collection and narrative reporting for internal leadership, funders, and partners.

Innovation, Partnerships & Collaboration

• Explores and supports future food delivery and access models related to Teaching Kitchen programming, such as meal kits, prepared foods, and mobile or community-based distribution.
• Collaborates with internal teams and external partners to pilot, refine, and scale new approaches, and participates in collaboration with other organizations, health centers, and partners across the state to share learnings, best practices, and innovations.
• Serves as an active member of the local Accountable Health Community, attending broader network meetings and participating in Collaborative Action Networks (CANs) to ensure Teaching Kitchen and food access efforts are aligned with identified community needs, priorities, and ongoing initiatives.
• Represents the Teaching Kitchen program in regional or statewide workgroups, coalitions, and learning collaboratives, as appropriate.

Participates in required departmental activities.

• Attends mandatory staff meetings and committee meetings as deemed appropriate by supervisor.
• Completes work assigned accurately and in timely manner.
• Demonstrates collegiality and commitment relevant to the mission of Northern Counties Health Care.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of all patients’ records, medical treatments, and diagnoses, and abide by all Northern Counties Health Care policies and procedures.
• Maintains a positive and professional attitude while effectively managing priorities in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Is an active member of the NCHC Community Health Team.

The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

Position Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED is required
• Coursework or training in community health, nutrition, food systems, or related fields preferred
• Experience coordinating programs, classes, or community-based initiatives preferred.
• Experience with food programming, education, events, or group facilitation strongly preferred.
• Experience working with underserved or rural populations is a plus.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong organizational and coordination skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage logistics and work with multiple partners and facilitators.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Comfort working in kitchen, classroom, and community settings.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.
  • Strong computer and organizational skills are essential, as well as the ability to multitask, respond to shifting priorities, and to work well under pressure while meeting all required deadlines.
  • Must maintain a high level of confidentiality.
  • Ability to work independently while demonstrating the skill to work positively within the framework of a team.
  • Ability to provide written or oral reports and evaluations concerning program activities, accomplishments, goals and objectives
• Typical Physical Demands:
  • Requires prolonged sitting, some bending, stooping, and stretching
  • Requires eye-hand coordination in manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and other office equipment
  • Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriately
  • May require occasional lifting up to 25 pounds